It’s a depressing anime music release date when all you’re getting are a bunch of opening and ending singles with scarcely a soundtrack to get excited about. Worse yet, they all seem to be the same people or a group of seiyuu releasing the same thing over and over again. That doesn’t do much to stir my attention, but the fans get what they want, so that’s not a bad thing is it? So for this week’s releases, Kalafina might be the sole highlight, but there’s quite a few things for you all to chew upon this week:

Anime Openings and Ending Themes

Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works]

Album Name: ring your bellArtist: KalafinaPurchase at:CDJapan
Is there anything to be said about Kalafina that hasn’t been said before? I guess we could say that we’ve been treated to the same song and dance before and that we’ve heard pretty much the same thing over. Kalafina’s branding has been tied to these soaring vocals with a melancholy tilt and they’re hardly inspiring or enthralling. I’d say give this single a pass unless you’re a really hardcore fan.

Gunslinger Stratos

Album Name: MIRAIArtist: GARNiDELiAPurchase at:CDJapan
Garnidelia, the group made up of singers Maria and producer toku continue to roll out singles left and right. What’s not certain is whether they’ve worn out their welcome, but signs point to them still releasing decent fare. The ED theme to Gunslinger Stratos is soft and pleasant, what with the backing piano and instruments. So for fans of Garnidelia, there’s nothing to fear here since this effort was pretty solid all around!

Le Eden de la Grisaia

Album Name: Setsuna no KajitsuArtist: Maon KurosakiPurchase at:CDJapan
Ever since I heard Maon Kurosaki sing the music to Highschool of the Dead, I was definitely captivated by the energy she proffered and the way she navigate made me believe in her ability to deliver as a singer. So with those preconceptions in mind, hearing her efforts on Grisaia carries a sort of urgency that’s at odds with what’s on screen. But the biggest takeaway is that it’s very much a competent effort, even if it’s not eye-opening.[Read more…]